Forbes.com: America's Friendliest Towns

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IntroductionWe teamed up with Nextdoor.com, a San Francisco, Calif.-based social network for neighborhoods, to assess 500 small metro areas with populations between 5,500 and 150,000. Using data from the U.S. Census, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, and City-Data.com, we ranked the towns based on four data points: percentage of owner-occupied homes (studies have shown a direct correlation between homeownership and neighborhood stability); the crime rate; charitable giving; and the percentage of college graduates (research has found that college-educated folks typically display more civic engagement, with higher rates of voting and volunteering). Nextdoor then conducted qualitative surveys among its membership in the towns that rated the highest to help finalize the ranking of the top 15. (Forbes Photo)

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9. Huntington Wo...Population: 6,280 An inner suburb of Detroit, this tiny town -- the smallest on our list -- is jam-packed with homeowners (95% of households own their residences) and the adult population is one of the most highly educated on our list (75.5% tote BA degrees or higher). A historic town with some of the oldest architecture in the state, Huntington Woods sends out a quarterly newsletter outlining local news and events to residents. The local library hosts many child-friendly events like magic shows and reading groups and dozens of community clubs including a babysitting co-op, a garden club and a residents association allow neighbors to connect. One of the biggest town events each year is a week-long July 4th celebration that includes a parade, a pet pageant and pancake breakfasts. (MCT/Newscom)

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8. Downers Grove...Population: 48,163 Located about 25 miles outside of Chicago, this Midwestern suburb peddles more than 140 community events and festivals. About 80% of residents own their own homes and the population is highly educated. In addition to a boutique and restaurant-filled downtown, this suburb has about 600 acres of parks and green space. On Saturdays during the summer, neighbors partake in a farmers' market and auto enthusiasts gather on Friday nights for an informal classic car show. (Forbes Photo)

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7. Alpharetta, G...Population: 46,700 Near Atlanta, the so-called "City of Celebration" loves to throw events throughout the year. Among the most popular: the Alpharetta Arts StreetFest, food fest called Taste of Alpharetta, an annual parade for war veterans, a "Scarecrow Harvest" in which residents craft and display scarecrows for Fall, and a holiday tree-lighting ceremony. According to Nextdoor, holiday parties, yoga groups, and movie nights are commonly organized in neighborhoods around town. (John Davidson/Getty Images)

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6. Frisco, TXPopulation: 121,387 This rapidly-growing suburb centers around sports. There's an athletic center for residents and several venues host professional teams in hockey, soccer, minor league baseball and D-league basketball. Sometimes called the "Dallas Bubble," the population has ballooned from about 40,000 to 120,000 since 2000. Still, 80% of residents own their homes and the community has a large Neighborhood Watch Group dedicated to improving quality of life and reducing crime. The Parks and Recreations Department hosts a 5K 'Frosty Run' and Breakfast with Santa and neighborhoods plan events like July 4th parties and Easter Egg hunts, according to Nextdoor. (Rainchill)

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5. Westerville, ...Population: 36,665 The local leadership of this Columbus suburb carved out roughly 40 parks and erected facilities like the Westerville Community Center, which touts a track, gymnasium, pool, and climbing wall. Every fourth Friday of the month local businesses do sidewalk sales. Otterbein University plays a role in social activities among residents and community initiatives like Westerville Area Resource Ministry collect food to help families and people out of work. Crime is nearly nonexistent thanks in part to community engagement that includes neighborhood block watch and participation in National Night Out. (Ben Turover)

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4. Seal Beach, C...Population: 24,536 This Orange County seaside enclave boasts a wooden pier used for fishing and sightseeing and a tree-lined Main Street studded with pubs, restaurants, and seashell shops. The southern tip of the city is home to the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, which is surrounded by quiet neighborhoods that escaped the overbuilding of the housing bubble. About three-quarters of residents own their homes and the crime rate remains below the national average. A big draw in the winter: the annual Seal Beach Christmas Tree lighting, where residents paradae in a parade and real snow is generated. "Our city is filled with friendly people who are proud of our town, our pier, and our heritage," trumpets the city's website. (Monacat)

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3. Fishers, INPopulation: 79,127 Fishers has a miniscule crime rate and one of the top school systems in the state. Year-round activities include the annual two-day "freedom festival," a summer concert series, a renaissance fair, and the Flavor of Fishers Festival during which local eateries showcases dishes. It's not uncommon in Fishers to be invited to a neighborhood event like a barbecue or pool party, according to Nextdoor. (Derek Jensen)

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2. Orinda, CAPopulation: 17,932 Located outside of Oakland, this Northern California suburb has a tiny crime rate and a high percentage of owner-occupied units (92%). The town is home to a bevy of artsy activities that draw residents by the thousands including the Orinda Film Festival and the annual Shakespeare Festival. The town hosts a day-long July Fourth event every year that kicks off with a pancake breakfast. Neighbors also organize events like pumpkin-carving contests and wine-and-cheese parties, according to Nextdoor. (Forbes Photo)

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1. Sammamish, WAPopulation: 46,700 Nearly 90% of the residents of this Seattle suburb own their own homes. Crime is low as is unemployment. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and overlooking a lake, Sammamish offers outdoor activities like skiing, water sports, hiking and biking. Community-organized events include a weekly farmers’ market, a Concerts in the Park series, Shakespeare in the Park, Sammamish Days and Nights Jazz Music, and an annual arts fair. (Sparth/Flickr/Getty Images)